Baltic Centre for Contemporary Art

Baroness Anelay of St Johns: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	What sum has been committed by the Arts Council of England to the development of the Baltic Centre for Contemporary Art in Gateshead, Tyne and Wear; and what are the terms under which that amount has been so allocated.

Baroness Blackstone: The Arts Council has committed £33,885,000 to Baltic Flour Mills for the capital development, plus a further £7,500,000 which has been allocated as annual revenue support over five years.
	The Arts Council issues standard conditions, which are publicly available, and special conditions, which are not, due to commercial confidentiality. Both sets of conditions are closely monitored by the Arts Council.

Baltic Centre for Contemporary Art

Baroness Anelay of St Johns: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	Which Government departments have made awards or loans to Gateshead Council for the development of the Baltic Centre for Contemporary Art in Gateshead, Tyne and Wear; what is the amount of such awards or loans; and what are the terms under which the sums were made available.

Baroness Blackstone: As well as the lottery funding from the Arts Council, the Baltic Centre for Contemporary Arts has also received £9,349,000 from the Single Regeneration Budget, the European Regional Development Fund and English Partnerships as well as some private sponsorship. The details of any contracts with these bodies are commercially sensitive and not for Ministers to comment on.

North West Tourist Board

Lord Fearn: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	What funding has been given to the North West Tourist Board in the years 1998–99, 1999–2000, 2000–01 and the present financial year to date.

Baroness Blackstone: Government funding for regional tourist boards is made via grant in aid payments to the English Tourism Council. Funding for the North West Tourist Board between 1998–99 and 2001–02 is set out in the table.
	
		
			 Year  
			 1998–99(1) £337,993 
			 1999–2000(1) £329,607 
			 2000–01 £419,000 
			 2001–02 £413,100 
		
	
	(1) Grant in aid paid to the English Tourist Board, predecessor to the English Tourism Council.
	In addition to grant in aid payments, regional tourist boards receive direct funding from local authorities and through commercial activities.

Transport Heritage

Baroness Anelay of St Johns: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	What research they have undertaken or commissioned into transport heritage since June 1997.

Baroness Blackstone: Research into transport heritage is undertaken by those non-departmental public bodies responsible for either curating it, such as the Science Museum, or distributing funds for its conservation, such as the Heritage Lottery Fund. The Government have not directly commissioned research in this area. I am arranging for a list of relevant Science Museum research to be placed in the Libraries of both Houses. The full text of the Heritage Lottery Fund commissioned report on transport heritage can be found on its website, www.hlf.org.uk.

Braithwaite Viaduct

Baroness Anelay of St Johns: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	Why they have awarded Grade II status to the Braithwaite Viaduct; and for what reasons they rejected representations from English Heritage that the viaduct should be given ancient monument status.

Baroness Blackstone: My right honourable friend the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport announced her decision to list the Braithwaite Viaduct Grade II on 8 March. A copy of the letter to English Heritage stating the reasons for her decision has been placed in the Libraries of both Houses.

BBC Governance in the Ofcom Age

Baroness Anelay of St Johns: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	What discussions they have held in 2002 with the Governors of the BBC on the issues raised by the publication of the BBC document BBC Governance in the Ofcom Age; and what conclusions they have reached as a consequence of those discussions.

Baroness Blackstone: Gavyn Davies, Chairman of the BBC, outlined the reforms set out in the BBC document BBC Governance in the Ofcom Age when he met the Secretary of State on 11 February. My right honourable friend the Secretary of State has welcomed the changes as a very useful clarification and strengthening of the role of the BBC Governors, with the aim of allowing the board to concentrate more on its responsibility to ensure that the BBC serves the public interest.

National Gallery and National Portrait Gallery

Baroness Anelay of St Johns: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	How they will implement their recommendation at paragraph 2.12 of the stage two quinquennial review report National Gallery and National Portrait Gallery that officials of the Department for Culture, Media and Sport need the opportunity to engage directly with the chairmen and trustees of the galleries; and
	What action they propose to take as a consequence of their conclusion reached at paragraph 3.13 of the stage two quinquennial review report National Gallery and National Portrait Gallery that at the National Gallery there is a concern that the pressure to raise funds from non-governmental sources is leading to a greater emphasis on the fund-raising ability of Trustees and that this may be to the detriment of other requirements at board level; and
	What action they propose to take in response to the conclusion reached at paragraph 3.74 of the stage two quinquennial review report National Gallery and National Portrait Gallery that the National Gallery believes that without an increase in grant-in-aid in real terms it will not be possible to expand its outreach and partnerships and may also have to reduce its services to the public; and
	What action they propose to take in respect to the conclusion reached at paragraph 4.13 of the stage two quinquennial review report National Gallery and National Portrait Gallery that the government increases in funding to the National Portrait Gallery have not matched the costs of initiatives such as extended opening hours and the opening of the Ondaatje Wing, and that the underlying level of grant-in-aid has not kept pace with inflation over the years; and
	What are their plans to implement the proposal on page 49 of the stage two quinquennial review report National Gallery and National Portrait Gallery that the Department for Culture, Media and Sport could, in future, conducts a "conversation with a purpose" with all new trustees appointed by the Government so that they could be briefed on the role of the department.

Baroness Blackstone: The Department for Culture, Media and Sport, together with the two galleries, will prepare an implementation plan responding to each of the recommendations of the quinquennial review. Meanwhile DCMS:
	(a) has put new arrangements in place for annual meetings between the chairmen and the DCMS Director of Museums, Libraries and Heritage;
	(b) in consultation with the chairman, takes into account the skill requirements of the board of trustees when agreeing the role specification for each new appointment;
	(c) considering how best to ensure that all new trustees are briefed properly on the role of the department; and
	(d) is reviewing the financial requirements of its sponsored museums and galleries in the context of the current spending review;
	(e) including the funding requirements of the National Gallery and the National Portrait Gallery. Huw

Regional Arts Boards

Baroness Anelay of St Johns: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	What were the annual budgets of the regional arts boards for the years 1997–2001 and the total spend by each board on administration costs as a percentage of their annual budget.

Baroness Blackstone: The following table, supplied by the Arts Council of England on behalf of the regional arts boards, contains the information requested by the noble Baroness.
	
		Summary of RAB administration and overhead costs as a percentage of expenditure
		
			  EAB EMAB LAB NAB NWAB SAB SEAB ABSW WMAB YAB 
			 1996–97 
			 Total admin & overheads 1,172,567 907,999 1,788,826 1,153,409 1,346,020 987,085 837,920 1,062,346 1,163,108 1,098,290 
			 Total expenditure 5,672,041 5,039,043 14,864,120 8,267,016 9,667,594 4,396,563 3,386,680 4,980,592 6,468,162 7,641,412 
			 Admin & overheads as % of total expenditure 21% 18% 12% 14% 14% 22% 25% 21% 18% 14% 
			 1997–98 
			 Total admin & overheads 1,306,192 1,022,998 2,148,360 1,191,143 1,467,866 1,152,545 1,015,794 1,076,834 1,222,727 1,232,622 
			 Total expenditure 5,921,244 5,168,319 14,872,438 7,891,794 11,219,265 4,503,999 3,615,520 5,238,197 6,822,659 7,774,146 
			 Admin & overheads as % of total expenditure 22% 20% 14% 15% 13% 26% 28% 21% 18% 16% 
			 1998–99 
			 Total admin & overheads 1,356,880 1,122,304 1,967,743 1,153,409 1,548,197 1,214,485 1,133,405 1,278,564 1,277,346 1,315,188 
			 Total expenditure 5,639,774 5,365,203 14,811,118 8,267,016 10,078,239 5,079,650 3,761,861 5,297,039 7,000,927 8,021,625 
			 Admin & overheads as % of total expenditure 24% 21% 13% 14% 15% 24% 30% 24% 18% 16% 
			 1999–2000 
			 Total admin & overheads 1,627,448 1,674,667 2,329,840 1,304,918 1,685,940 1,447,191 1,474,530 1,843,841 1,480,837 1,464,843 
			 Total expenditure 6,293,572 7,006,544 16,015,916 9,405,899 11,546,441 5,819,415 4,398,127 6,183,189 8,145,266 8,814,294 
			 Admin & overheads as % of total expenditure 26% 24% 15% 14% 15% 25% 34% 30% 18% 17% 
			 2000–01 
			 Total admin & overheads 2,028,838 1,534,075 3,214,962 1,407,115 2,071,889 1,565,038 1,642,913 1,426,484 1,637,777 1,665,275 
			 Total expenditure 9,690,169 9,598,019 31,498,337 12,623,240 18,643,253 11,278,692 7,210,107 9,266,951 13,766,026 12,775,475 
			 Admin & overheads as % of total expenditure 21% 16% 10% 11% 11% 14% 23% 15% 12% 13% 
			 FTE staff 35.5 42.0 69.0 37.0 53.0 39.0 42.0 37.0 45.0 45.0 
		
	
	Notes:
	Total admin & overheads figure includes staffing costs, costs related to premises, office costs, travel & subsistence, company costs. Essentially anything which is not considered to be direct arts spend.
	All figures are taken from RAB audited accounts, with the exception of 2000–01 which are taken from RAB business plans.
	NB: RAB overheads include expenditure on arts development and fundraising which generates a net income.

Death Penalty

Lord Lester of Herne Hill: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	Whether they intend to sign and ratify Protocol 13 to the European Convention on Human Rights banning the death penalty in all circumstances, including in times of war and imminent threat of war, when it is opened for signature on 3 May 2002.

Lord Irvine of Lairg: Her Majesty's Government will announce their position on Protocol 13 as soon as is reasonably possible.

Zimbabwe

The Earl of Caithness: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	How many of the electorate in Zimbabwe were disenfranchised for the recent presidential election; and how this compares with previous elections; and
	What messages they have sent to Mr Robert Mugabe since Monday 11 March; and
	Whether they believe that the international observers of the Zimbabwean elections were impartial; and
	Whether they believe that the South African observers of the Zimbabwean elections carried out their duties fully and objectively; and
	Whether they have any evidence that the observers of the Zimbabwean elections were intimidated, attacked or otherwise prevented from either gaining access to places they wanted to visit or talking to people they wanted to interview.

Baroness Amos: Given the limited access afforded to international and other independent observers, it is difficult to estimate how many Zimbabweans were disenfranchised for the recent presidental election. However, the Commonwealth observer team concluded in its report that "thousands" were unable to vote as a result of inadequacies in the registration process.
	A number of observers, both local and international, were impeded by Zimbabwean authorities and partisan members of the Zimbabwean public from carrying out their duties. Despite this, many of the international observer teams (eg the Commonwealth, Southern African Development Community—Parliamentary Forum, Japanese and Norwegian) concluded that the election was not free and fair. This indicates a high degree of impartiality. We believe that a sufficient number of the international teams' approach was impartial to give an accurate overall picture of the election process and outcome.
	We have not sent any message to Mr Mugabe since the Zimbabwean presidential election on 9–10 March. My right honourable friend the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs told the House on 14 March that we did not accept that the election was free and fair and that the outcome did not reflect the will of the Zimbabwean people. The views of the Government on this issue have therefore been made very clear.

Zimbabwe

The Earl of Caithness: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	How many observers monitored the recent presidential election in Zimbabwe; from what countries they came; and for how long they were in Zimbabwe.

Baroness Amos: The total number of international observers for the presidential election in Zimbabwe on 9-10 March was 449, broken down as follows:
	Commonwealth—62
	Southern African Development Community (SADC) Parliamentary Forum—37
	SADC Election Support Network—54
	SADC Election Commission's Forum—26
	Electoral Institute of Southern Africa—42
	African, Caribbean and Pacific countries—5
	Organisation of African Unity—26
	South Africa—59
	South African Parliamentarians—20
	Japan—5
	Nigeria—16
	United States—18
	Canada—8
	Norway—26
	Tanzania—20
	Mozambique—7
	Malawi—8
	Botswana—10
	The observer teams deployed in phases during the run-up to the election and we do not know exactly how long each team stayed in Zimbabwe.

Zimbabwe

The Earl of Caithness: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	What steps they propose to take to have Mr Robert Mugabe condemned by the United Nations Commission on Human Rights.

Baroness Amos: With UK Government support, the EU intends to express its serious concern at the human rights situation in Zimbabwe at the UN Commission on Human Rights, now under way in Geneva.

Zimbabwe

The Earl of Caithness: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	Whether they can confirm that a deal has been agreed by a number of countries in Africa, including South Africa, that Mr Robert Mugabe should be allowed to win the recent election with a view to retiring "with dignity" within a year.

Baroness Amos: We are not aware of any such deal being agreed.

Prison Population

Lord Dholakia: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	What was:
	(a) the total United Kingdom prison population;
	(b) the number of prisoners aged under 18;
	(c) the number of prisoners aged under 21; and
	(d) the number of prisoners aged under 25; on the most recent convenient date, broken down between sentenced prisoners and remand prisoners.

Lord Rooker: The data for England and Wales and Northern Ireland are set out in the table. The Scottish Executive should be approached for data on Scottish prisons where it is a devolved matter.
	
		Prison population England and Wales on 28 February 2002
		
			  Remand Sentenced Non-criminal Fine defaulter Total 
			 Male 11,679 53,296 675 45 65,695 
			 Female 912 3,192 45 3 4,152 
			 Total 12,591 56,488 720 48 69,847 
			 Male 
			 Under 18 493 1,851 1 1 2,346 
			 18 to 20 1,852 5,955 24 2 7,833 
			 21 to 25 2,891 11,803 144 11 14,849 
			 Total under 25 5,236 19,609 169 14 25,028 
			 Female 
			 Under 18 15 90 0 0 105 
			 18 to 20 130 324 4 0 458 
			 21 to 25 247 746 8 1 1,002 
			 Total under 25 392 1,160 12 1 1,565 
		
	
	
		Total prison population in Northern Ireland on 31 January 2002
		
			  Remand Sentenced Non-criminal Fine defaulter Total 
			 Male 279 619 3 29 930 
			 Female 10 10 1 1 22 
			 Total 289 629 4 30 952 
			 Male 
			 Under 18 13 10 0 1 24 
			 18 to 20 46 60 0 4 110 
			 21 to <25 48 99 1 8 156 
			 Total under 25 107 169 1 13 290 
			 Female 
			 Under 18 0 0 0 0 0 
			 18 to 20 1 1 0 0 2 
			 21 to <25 2 0 0 0 2 
			 Total under 25 3 1 0 0 4

Homicide

Lord Tebbit: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	How many people have died since 1963 in England and Wales at the hands of persons previously convicted of homicide.

Lord Rooker: During the period 1963 to date, a total of 104 persons in England and Wales are known to have been killed by persons who had been previously convicted of homicide in England and Wales.
	As with previous Answers, the figure excludes persons who have been killed by those who may have been convicted outside England and Wales (for whom there is incomplete information) and persons who have been killed by those not previously convicted of homicide by reason of their mental state.

Badgers: Offences Against Wild Animals

Lord Hardy of Wath: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	Whether offences against wild animals, and especially those involving the baiting and abuse of badgers, are classed as notifiable offences; and, if not, whether such a classification could be established without delay.

Lord Rooker: The Protection of Badgers Act 1992 provides the required statutory protection for badgers. The Act makes it an offence to cruelly kill, injure or take a badger or to attempt to do so, or to wilfully ill-treat a badger, or, intentionally or recklessly, to interfere with a badger sett by damaging it or any part of it.
	These offences are recordable on the Police National Computer, although they are not notifiable to the Home Office for the purposes of the recorded crime statistics. These statistics are restricted to offences which are indictable or triable either way and a few closely associated summary offences. Although these arrangements may be changed without legislation, we do not consider that the additional workload on the police which would be entailed by a requirement to notify summary offences would be justified.

National Asylum Support Service

Lord Greaves: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	What internal and external inquiries have taken place into the purpose, organisation, efficiency, effectiveness and success in meeting the objectives and targets of the National Asylum Support Service since 1 April 2000; when they reported; and to whom.

Lord Rooker: The Answer is as follows:
	
		
			 Body conducting review Purpose Date reported Body receiving report 
			 Deloitte Touche Monitor and report on the efficiency and effectiveness with which the new asylum support arrangements are being implemented and operated; make recommendations for improvement where necessary October 2000 NASS management 
			 INEX Consulting Determine where workflow and document management techniques could bring benefits. Possibly propose changes to the current processes (though s/he) should be aware of restrictions which legal and audit requirements, such as the separation of duties, place upon the possible alternatives February 2001 NASS management 
			 Audit and Assurance Unit of the Home Office Procedures for asylum seekers support arrangements January 2001 Departmental Accounting Officer 
			 Audit and Assurance Unit of the Home Office Payments by NASS for accommodation used to house asylum seekers September 2001 Departmental Accounting Officer 
			 Audit and Assurance Unit of the Home Office Immigration Nationality Directorate (IND) payments—asylum seekers support new arrangements October 2001 Departmental Accounting Officer 
			 Audit and Assurance Unit of Home Office Cessation of support by NASS January 2002 Departmental Accounting Officer 
			 Audit and Assurance Unit of the Home Office NASS arrivals  Departmental Accounting Officer 
			 NASS Review of operation of the voucher scheme October 2001 Home Office Ministers 
			 NASS Review of operation of dispersal October 2001 Home Office Ministers

Drugs: Prison Sentences for Importation

Lord Hylton: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	How many men and how many women are currently in prison following convictions for illegally importing drugs; and what is the average length of sentence in both cases.

Lord Rooker: The number of men and women who were serving sentences for illegal importation/exportation of drugs on 31 January 2002:
	
		
			 Prisoners serving sentences for illegal import/export of drugs Number of prisoners Average sentenced length imposed (years) 
			 Men 2,400 8.1 
			 Women 750 6.4 
			 All prisoners serving sentences for illegal import/export of drugs 3,150 7.7

Computer Crime

Lord Allen of Abbeydale: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	Whether the Computer Misuse Act 1990 is appropriately drafted to deal with current trends in computer crime.

Lord Rooker: The Government are considering whether changes are needed to the Computer Misuse Act 1990 in the light of the United Kingdom's obligations as a signatory state to the Council of Europe Convention on Cybercrime.

Prisoners on Remand

The Earl of Listowel: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	How many prisoners on remand:
	(a) have children; (b) have step-children; (c) have siblings under age 18; (d) are married; (e) are co-habitees; and (f) are single.

Lord Rooker: On 31 January 2002 there were 12,270 prisoners on remand, 11,382 males and 888 females. Data on prisoners' families and marital status are not held centrally.

Offender Programmes in Prisons: Faith Organisations

Lord Avebury: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	Whether they will restate their policy on the involvement of faith organisations in offender programmes in HM prisons.

Lord Rooker: Offender programmes in prisons, including those involving faith organisations, will be considered on their merits in line with the What Works principles. What Works principles are based upon the best available evidence of what works in reducing re-offending.

Criminal Records Bureau

Lord Gladwin of Clee: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	Whether the Criminal Records Bureau intends to publish its corporate and business plan 2002 to 2007.

Lord Rooker: The Criminal Records Bureau corporate and business plan has been published today. Copies of the plan have been placed in the Library.

Passport Service

Lord Davies of Coity: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	Whether the United Kingdom Passport Service intends to publish its corporate and business plan 2002 to 2007.

Lord Rooker: The United Kingdom Passport Service corporate and business plan has been published today. Copies of the plan have been placed in the Library.

Babies Born with Birth Defects

Lord Alton of Liverpool: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	What efforts have been made to ensure that the Office for National Statistics complies accurate figures on the number of babies born with birth defects.

Lord McIntosh of Haringey: The information requested falls within the responsibility of the National Statistician, who has been asked to reply.
	Letter from the National Statistician, Len Cook, dated March 2002.
	As National Statistician I have been asked to reply to your recent question on what efforts have been made to ensure the compilation of accurate figures on the number of babies born with birth defects.[HL3457]
	The Office for National Statistics (ONS) collects information on live born babies and stillbirths with congenital anomalies through the National Congenital Anomaly System (NCAS). This system has been monitoring congenital anomalies in England and Wales since 1964. Its primary purpose is to detect changes in the frequency of reporting of congenital anomalies rather than to estimate exact prevalence at birth.
	Reporting to NCAS is voluntary, and it has long been recognised that there is under-notification. A review in 1995 recommended that where good congenital anomaly registers existed outside ONS, information should be exchanged with these to improve the completeness and validity of both local and national data. ONS began data exchange in 1998 and now receives high quality data from Wales and three English regions where there are local registers. These registers obtain details of cases from a wide variety of sources before sending the notifications on to ONS. These registers cover all births in Wales and 23 per cent of births in England. Reports for the remainder of England are sent directly to ONS by NHS Trusts.
	In January 2002 two further local registers began providing information to NCAS. ONS is also currently working with national condition-specific registers where these exist, to improve notification levels. These improvements in the notification system have increased the numbers of babies with congenital anomalies reported. The recent increases in National Statistics' numbers of congenital anomaly notifications have all coincided with the timing and location of these improvements.

Government Debt and Asset Management

Lord Hogg of Cumbernauld: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	What are the future organisational arrangements for government debt and asset management.

Lord McIntosh of Haringey: Following a detailed review of the current arrangements and future requirements for government debt and asset management, the National Debt Office (NDO) and the Public Works Loans Board (PWLB) will be integrated with the UK Debt Management Office (DMO) with effect from 1 July. Both the NDO and the PWLB are part of the National Investment and Loans Office (NILO) and the relevant staff will be relocated to the DMO's offices. This reorganisation, while maintaining provision of existing services, is designed to deliver improved management of the central government balance sheet and to offer a more robust, flexible and innovative service to public sector clients.
	At the same time the remaining part of NILO, the Office of HM Paymaster General (OPG), will be merged with the Treasury, while also maintaining the provision of its existing services. NILO will thereafter cease to exist.

Occupational Pension Schemes: Preston Judgment

Lord Campbell-Savours: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	What will be the treatment of tax settlements between employers and employees following the Preston judgment.

Lord McIntosh of Haringey: The Preston judgment means that many employers must give all their part-time employees and certain of their ex-employees, retrospective access to membership of their occupational pension schemes from April 1976 or in some cases later. The employers concerned have a responsibility to settle with their employees and ex-employees how this should be achieved in each case. There are outstanding cases before employment tribunals which are designed to determine how employers and employees should meet their liabilities.
	Where employees are entitled to membership rights in an occupational scheme in respect of past periods of employment, the normal rules about tax relief on contributions continue to apply. That is: all employers' contributions to occupational pension schemes, including any for past service, qualify for corporation tax relief; employees' contributions up to 15 per cent of their salary from the employer concerned in the year the contributions are paid qualify for income tax relief, irrespective of whether any part of the contribution is in respect of previous years' service; employees may make contributions to their schemes above 15 per cent of salary in any tax year but any such contributions do not benefit from tax relief.
	In some cases, employers and employees may prefer to agree on lump sum settlements rather than additional membership rights in occupational schemes. In these cases, the lump sums are not taxable as income under Schedule E but will be liable to capital gains tax subject to the normal annual exemption.

Tax Law Rewrite Project

Lord Acton: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	What further developments there have been as a result of the Tax Law Rewrite Project.

Lord McIntosh of Haringey: The Tax Law Rewrite Project continues to make good progress. At the end of this month it will be publishing its thirteenth Exposure Draft, containing draft clauses on foreign income and property income.
	The project is also currently working on an income tax Bill rewriting the provisions on employment income, pension income and taxable social security benefits. In preparation for that Bill, this year's finance Bill will include some small amendments to the tax legislation on employment income. Copies of this draft finance Bill legislation will shortly be published on the project's website.
	Copies of the exposure draft and the draft finance Bill legislation will be placed in the Library as soon as they are available.

Strategic Defence Review

Lord Campbell of Croy: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	What responses they have received to the public discussion paper The Strategic Defence Review, A New Chapter, on which views were invited by 15 March.

Lord Bach: The Ministry of Defence received over 200 responses by 15 March to its public discussion paper, The Strategic Defence Review: A New Chapter. The responses cover a wide range of issues and are from a wide range of correspondents, including parliamantarians local authorities, non-governmental organisations, academics, members of the public and MoD personnel. All responses are being given full consideration in the continuing SDR New Chapter work.

Armed Forces Memorial

Lord Burlison: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	What progress has been made to the proposed siting of the new national Armed Forces memorial to service personnel killed since the Second World War.

Lord Bach: A project team was appointed early last year to look at potential sites for the memorial and to consider the qualifying criteria for those to be commemorated. Extensive research was carried out on suitable sites both in and outside London. There has been wide consultation with the service and ex-service organisations on both the siting and eligibility criteria. There is general support for the proposals.
	We are delighted to be able to confirm that the Armed Forces memorial will be sited at the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire. The names of those commemorated will either be engraved on the memorial or in rolls of honour that will be kept close by in the Millennium Chapel at the arboretum. The design of the memorial will be decided following an architectural competition that will be held later this year.
	The qualifying criteria for inclusion on the memorial are:
	"All those Service personnel who were killed on duty whilst performing functions attributable to the special circumstances and requirements of the Armed Forces, or as a result of terrorist attack, and all those who died whilst deployed on designated operations."
	"Those members of the Royal Fleet Auxiliary and the Merchant Navy who were killed in conflict zones while in direct support of the Armed Forces will also be included on the memorial."
	An additional part of the project will be to erect a memorial plaque in the Cloisters of Westminster Abbey to those members of the Armed Forces killed in conflict since the end of the Second World War. Finally, there will be rolls of honour recording the names of all members of the Royal Navy and the Army who have died in service during this period. These will be kept in suitable churches in London and will be similar to those for the Royal Air Force that are kept in the Church of St Clement Danes.
	Trustees of the Armed Forces memorial trust will now be appointed to take this project forward. They will take on the ownership of the memorial and will be responsible for its funding and construction. Funds will be raised by public subscription.
	This is a very important national project that will also provide a platform to help educate our younger generations about the value of our Armed Forces.

OSCE Parliamentary Assembly, 21 and 22 February

Lord Hylton: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	What were the main issues discussed by the Organisation for the Security and Co-operation in Europe Parliamentary Assembly held in Vienna from 21 to 22 February.

Baroness Symons of Vernham Dean: The United Kingdom was represented at the meeting by a delegation of parliamentarians led by my right honourable friend the Member for Walsall South, with my noble friends Lady Hilton of Eggardon and Lord Ponsonby of Shulbrede representing the House of Lords. They were briefed on current issues, including budgetary matters, by the chair in office, Foreign Minister Gama and Secretary General Jan Kubis. The three general committees also discussed reports relating to the upcoming annual session in Berlin.

Irish Government: Discussions

Lord Laird: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	What topics the Irish Government have discussed with them since 1 January 2000.

Baroness Symons of Vernham Dean: The Government of Ireland have very frequent discussions with Her Majesty's Government. These discussions occur routinely at all levels, include official and ministerial discussions and take place both in international fora (such as the UN and the EU) and bilaterally. The discussions cover a wide range of issues in both domestic and foreign policy.

EU Council Meetings: Scrutiny Arrangement

Lord Stoddart of Swindon: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	Further to the Written Answer by Baroness Symons of Vernham Dean on 7 February (WA 112), at what stage in the preparation of agendas of European Council meetings are the scrutiny committees of both Houses of Parliament apprised of each item of business; and whether, in respect of framework decisions, clearance by Her Majesty's Government is given, or withheld, at the stage of the framework agreement or at the time of the specific proposals for its implementation.

Baroness Symons of Vernham Dean: There is no formal agenda for European Council meetings. However, the committees are informed three weeks before a Council of Ministers meeting of items expected to appear on the agenda. As soon as the agenda becomes clearer, departments provide a detailed assessment to the committees of the main agenda items.
	As with all other EU legislation, Framework Directives Decisions and any subsequent secondary legislation are provided to the scrutiny committees in line with agreed guidance.

EU Council Meetings: Scrutiny Arrangement

Lord Stoddart of Swindon: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	Further to the Written Answer by Baroness Symons of Vernham Dean on 7 February (WA 112] concerning matters on the agenda of formal meetings of the European Council, what is their practice in respect of parliamentary scrutiny of proposals which have not so far been scrutinised by any such procedures and which are given political approval for subsequent detailed negotiation or legislative or executive implementation.

Baroness Symons of Vernham Dean: The Government have given Parliament an undertaking that Ministers will not agree to proposals in the Council of Ministers unless scrutiny has been completed. In exceptional circumstances, e.g. where the national interest would be damaged by delaying agreement, the Minister responsible will write to the scrutiny committees explaining the special reasons for which scrutiny was overridden.

Cyprus

Lord Kilclooney: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	As guarantor power, what representations have they made to the Cyprus Government following their decision to take delivery to southern Cyprus of military helicopters from Russia; and whether this delivery of military equipment will facilitate the present talks between the leaders of the Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot communities.

Baroness Symons of Vernham Dean: The Government have consistently made it clear to all parties in Cyprus that they deplore weapons acquisition, in line with UN Security Council resolutions which express concern about military build-up on the island. We do not consider such procurement to be conducive to efforts aimed at securing a just and lasting settlement in Cyprus. We have raised the issue with the Republic of Cyprus at the highest level. We have also raised the matter with EU partners.

Cyprus

Lord Kilclooney: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	When they gave assurances to the Greek Cypriot leader, Glafcos Clerides, that the present phase of direct talks between the two Cypriot community leaders would be held within the framework of United Nations Security Council resolutions.

Baroness Symons of Vernham Dean: The UK has always believed that the UN settlement process, based upon UNSCR 1250, offers the best chance of achieving a just and lasting settlement in Cyprus which respects the vital interests of all concerned. Accordingly, we welcomed the decision by the two leaders in December 2001 to begin direct talks on-island in January under the auspices of the UN. We support this process and continue to urge all involved to engage in the talks in a positive and constructive manner.

Belize and Guatemala

Lord Tomlinson: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	Whether there have been any recent negotiations between Belize and Guatemala to resolve their territorial dispute.

Baroness Symons of Vernham Dean: The Governments of Belize and Guatemala are working closely under the auspices of the Organisation of American States (OAS) to negotiate a settlement to their longstanding territorial dispute. Two facilitators appointed by Belize and Guatemala aim to present recommendations for an agreed settlement to both governments shortly.
	We firmly support the OAS-facilitated process. We very much hope that Belize and Guatemala will be able to agree a settlement this year. Such an agreement would have great significance for both countries and the region more widely. We are in close touch with both countries and are actively helping the facilitators to secure a final and lasting settlement to the dispute.

Zimbabwe: Suspension

Lord Tomlinson: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	What recent developments there have been in relation to the suspension of Zimbabwe from the Councils of the Commonwealth.

Baroness Symons of Vernham Dean: I refer my noble friend to the statement I made to the House on 21 March. Huw

Sound Recording: Copyright Exception

Baroness Anelay of St Johns: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	Further to the Written Answer by Lord Sainsbury of Turville on 12 March (WA 74), who are the "key interests" with whom the Government are continuing to have dialogue with regard to the possible repeal of the exception to copyright in Section 72 of the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988.

Lord Sainsbury of Turville: There is an ongoing dialogue with the representatives of right holders who favour a repeal of Section 72. It will be important to engage with those who would have to pay a public performance royalty as a result of any change to Section 72 before any decisions are taken.

Consumer Safety

Lord Morris of Manchester: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	On what date in 2003 they expect to publish the next statutory report on consumer safety; and whether meanwhile they can provide any provisional estimates of the number of prosecutions and convictions under the Furniture and Furnishings (Fire) (Safety) Regulations 1998 for the years 1999, 2000 and 2001.

Lord Sainsbury of Turville: The next statutory report on consumer safety will cover the period from 1 April 1998 to 31 March 2003 and will be published as soon as practicable after the end of that period. The department only collates statistics on safety enforcement at the end of each five-year period, so cannot provide the estimates requested.

Genetically Modified Crops

Baroness Byford: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	Whether genetically modified crop trials are being evaluated to establish any benefits to biodiversity in replacing damaging practices in conventional agricultural by planting certain genetically modified crops.

Lord Whitty: The farm scale evaluations are primarily assessing the impact on farmland wildlife of the management of four genetically modified crops (winter and spring oil seed rape, fodder maize and sugar beet) relative to the equivalent conventional (non-GM) crops.
	The farms selected for the evaluations include a wide range of conventional agricultural practices, from intensive to extensive. The research programme should therefore also reveal the impact of conventional practices on biodiversity and contribute to our understanding of the relationships between farming practice and wildlife abundance generally.

Genetically Modified Crops

Baroness Byford: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	Whether, in considering safe separation distances for genetically modified crop growth, they have taken into account potential effects on private gardens and allotments.

Lord Whitty: The separation distances are set to limit the interaction between genetically modified (GM) crop plants and other plants. The distances set for any particular trial take full account of the potential effects on private gardens and allotments.
	The GM crops being grown in the farm scale evaluations, oil and seed rape, fodder beet, sugar beet and forage maize, are not grown in gardens and allotments. The forage maize could potentially cross pollinate with sweetcorn varieties of maize, so a separation distance of 200 metres has been specified between GM maize and sweetcorn. The Advisory Committee on Releases to the Environment has advised that at this distance the incidence of cross-pollination should be less than 0·5 per cent.

Livestock Movement Restrictions: Agricultural Shows

Lord Inglewood: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	Whether the rules regulating the movement of livestock will in practice prevent agricultural shows having cattle and sheep classes this summer.

Lord Whitty: Cattle are allowed to move to and from agricultural shows under the interim movements arrangements and we expect cattle will be shown. Subject to veterinary advice, we hope it will be possible to allow sheep and goats to go to shows from around the end of May. Huw

Imported Plant and Animal Material

Lord Taverne: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	What steps they are taking to protect imported plant and animal material, including "organic" material, at ports of entry in order to control pests and other undesirable organisms.

Lord Whitty: All consignments of products of animal origin currently imported from third countries into the UK are subjected to a documentary check of the veterinary certification and an identity check to match the goods to the certification. A percentage of consignments are also subjected to a physical check, which may include organoleptic checks, temperature checks and laboratory tests for pathogens or contaminants. Where import checks reveal that any product of animal origin does not comply with Community import conditions, it is re-exported or destroyed.
	Defra's plant health and seeds inspectors aim to inspect all commercial imports of plants from non-EU countries and a proportion, according to risk, of imported consignments of fruit, vegetables and cut flowers, including "organic" produce. These inspections take place at ports of entry and at suitable sites inland. Plants and plant produce of EU origin, including "organic" produce, are inspected at distribution points and nurseries. Appropriate action is taken when pests and diseases are found which pose a risk to plant health, regardless of whether the produce is "organic". Measures may include destruction, re-export or treatment. Interceptions are notified to the exporting country. Further information is available on the plant health pages of the department's website (http://defraweb/planth/ph.htm).

Organophosphates

The Countess of Mar: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	Whether, in the light of the results of the research conducted by Cherry N. et al at the University of Manchester showing a genetic susceptibility to health damage resulting from exposure to organophosphates in some individuals, they propose to offer any advice, diagnostic tests, biological monitoring or other practical assistance to users of these chemicals.

Lord Whitty: The Government are gauging the significance of these findings in consultation with their independent expert advisory committees, the Advisory Committee on Pesticides and the Veterinary Products Committee.

Organophosphates

The Countess of Mar: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	For what period the organophosphate cruformate was licensed for use as a warble fly dressing in the United Kingdom; and what are the known mutagenic, teratrogenic and neurological effects of its use on cattle.

Lord Whitty: Crufomate was used as an active ingredient in veterinary medicinal products for the treatment of warble fly from the 1950s onwards. This predates the introduction of the current controls under the Medicines Act 1968 and so our information on such products is very limited. With the entry into force of the Medicines Act in 1970 these products would have been issued with licences of right that permitted their continued marketing pending a formal review of their safety, quality and efficacy.
	Evidence from the marketing authorisation holders indicates that these products were removed from the market prior to 1978. They would not therefore have been included within the formal review of all pharmaceutical products that began in the mid-1980s.
	Consequently no data on possible mutagenic, teratogenic or neurological effects of the use of crufomate on cattle were collected as part of their authorisation for marketing as veterinary medicinal products.

Trade: Foot and Mouth Disease

Lord Pearson of Rannoch: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	What are the figures for the total tonnage of British meat exported (a) before the foot and mouth disease epidemic, and (b) as at 15 March and;
	What are the figures for the total tonnage of imported meat (a) before the foot and mouth disease epidemic and (b) as at 15 March; and for each category what percentage of meat depended or depends on vaccination for its good health.

Lord Whitty: The attached table shows the monthly volume of UK trade in meat and meat preparations between January 2000 and December 2001. The monthly data for February cannot be split before and after the FMD outbreak. Monthly data are provided so that normal seasonal patterns of trade can be taken into account and to show the effects of the gradual lifting of the export ban.
	The importation of meat is permitted from a limited number of third countries where foot and mouth disease is present and where the veterinary authorities have contained the disease in specified regions. European Community rules permit imports from certain regions of those countries that are not considered to pose a risk to human or animal health. Fully matured boneless beef, which does not post a FMD risk, may in some cases be imported from other regions subject to veterinary certification. Countries to which these controls currently apply are Botswana, Namibia, South Africa, Swaziland, Zimbabwe, Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay and Uruguay. All meat imported from third countries is subject to veterinary checks at border inspection posts to ensure that import requirements are met.
	The importation into the EU of meat from vaccinated animals is not permitted from African countries. Imports of meat from Argentina, Brazil, Uruguay and Paraguay may be from vaccinated animals, but the meat must be deboned and matured so as to remove any risk of live FMD virus being present. No record is kept on whether the meat imported from these countries is derived from vaccinated or unvaccinated animals.
	
		UK trade in meat and meat preparations 2000–01 -- ('000 tonnes)
		
			 Trade Type Product Month 2000 2001 
			 Exports Beef January 1 1 
			   February 1 1 
			   March 1 1 
			   April 1 1 
			   May 1 1 
			   June 1 1 
			   July 1 0 
			   August 1 1 
			   September 1 1 
			   October 1 1 
			   November 1 1 
			   December 1 1 
			  Beef total   9 8 
			  Sheepmeat January 9 10 
			   February 7 6 
			   March 8 0 
			   April 7 0 
			   May 5 0 
			   June 7 1 
			   July 8 2 
			   August 10 2 
			   September 9 2 
			   October 9 2 
			   November 10 2 
			   December 11 4 
			  Sheepmeat total   100 31 
			  Pigmeat January 19 16 
			   February 24 13 
			   March 25 1 
			   April 21 1 
			   May 23 2 
			   June 24 2 
			   July 21 3 
			   August 23 3 
			   September 20 3 
			   October 19 3 
			   November 19 6 
			   December 17 5 
			  Pigmeat total   254 57 
			  Poultrymeat January 15 19 
			   February 16 19 
			   March 21 19 
			   April 14 18 
			   May 16 19 
			   June 18 18 
			   July 16 20 
			   August 17 20 
			   September 18 19 
			   October 19 22 
			   November 20 21 
			   December 20 20 
			  Poultrymeat total   209 236 
			  Other January 1 1 
			   February 0 0 
			   March 0 0 
			   April 0 0 
			   May 0 0 
			   June 0 1 
			   July 0 0 
			   August 0 0 
			   September 0 0 
			   October 0 1 
			   November 1 0 
			   December 1 1 
			  Other total   6 5 
			  Exports total   578 336 
			 Imports Beef January 19 24 
			   February 19 21 
			   March 20 30 
			   April 20 24 
			   May 24 25 
			   June 26 24 
			   July 22 21 
			   August 23 26 
			   September 21 22 
			   October 19 25 
			   November 21 24 
			   December 21 26 
			  Bovine total   257 292 
			  Sheepmeat January 9 8 
			   February 10 9 
			   March 14 15 
			   April 12 12 
			   May 11 11 
			   June 10 8 
			   July 8 8 
			   August 9 7 
			   September 8 9 
			   October 9 6 
			   November 9 5 
			   December 13 8 
			  Sheepmeat total   121 106 
			  Pigmeat January 41 52 
			   February 43 47 
			   March 55 63 
			   April 42 33 
			   May 47 43 
			   June 52 50 
			   July 48 45 
			   August 50 47 
			   September 59 49 
			   October 48 52 
			   November 50 54 
			   December 53 51 
			  Pigmeat total   587 586 
			  Poultrymeat January 30 32 
			   February 33 31 
			   March 35 35 
			   April 31 28 
			   May 34 30 
			   June 38 32 
			   July 31 31 
			   August 32 33 
			   September 32 30 
			   October 30 35 
			   November 34 35 
			   December 33 32 
			  Poultrymeat total   393 384 
			  Other January 4 7 
			   February 16 8 
			   March 13 8 
			   April 5 7 
			   May 6 9 
			   June 6 10 
			   July 7 8 
			   August 6 9 
			   September 6 9 
			   October 5 10 
			   November 8 13 
			   December 7 12 
			  Other total   90 110 
			  Imports total1,449 1,479

Pest and Disease Control

Lord Beaumont of Whitley: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	What percentage of the total agricultural research budget for 2000-01 was spent on investigating methods of pest and disease control which do not involve the use of chemical pesticides.

Lord Whitty: In 2000-01, Defra spent £8.4 million on research into methods of pest and disease control which do not involve the use of chemical pesticides.
	Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) spent approximately £3.9 million on research directly into alternatives to chemical pesticides. Together this represents nearly 7 per cent of the agricultural research budget.

Pest and Disease Control

Lord Beaumont of Whitley: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	How many research projects over the last five years which were in receipt of public funds involved research into alternatives to the use of organophosphate and carbamate pesticides; and whether they will give the names of the research institutions involved and the value of each contract.

Lord Whitty: During the last five years, Defra has funded 113 projects which have involved research into alternatives to the use of organophosphate and carbamate pesticides and BBSRC has funded 14. Many of these projects, including LINK projects funded jointly with industry, have been developing methods of integrated pest management to reduce dependence on pesticides.
	The main research institutions involved were Horticulture Research International (total value of contracts £21 million); Institute of Arable Crops Research (£17 million); Central Science Laboratory (£13 million) and ADAS (£2 million). The total value of all 127 contracts was £57 million, giving an average contract value of about £0.45 million.

Pest and Disease Control

Lord Beaumont of Whitley: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	What procedure is followed when they receive a request to extend the approval for use of a pesticide beyond its intended revocation date; and what are the criteria by which the Government decide whether or not to grant such an extension of approval.

Lord Whitty: Pesticide approvals may be revoked for a variety of different reasons. The most important would be the identification of safety concerns but often include an approval holder's failure to meet data submission deadlines or the withdrawal of the product by the company for commercial reasons. Provided the approval is extant at the time the request is made, an extension can be considered. There are no set procedures when considering an extension beyond the intended revocation date. Each request is considered on its merits, taking into consideration the reason for the original revocation decison and, where applicable, whether any data requirements should be met before granting any extension.

National Forest Company

Baroness Gould of Potternewton: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	Whether a conclusion has been reached on the review of the National Forest Company.

Lord Whitty: The quinquennial review of the National Forest Company has been completed. It has concluded that the company, a non-departmental public body sponsored by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, should continue to be responsible for delivering the National Forest Strategy which is contributing strongly to the Government's sustainable development agenda. Since its creation in 1995, the company has, for example, achieved an expansion of woodland cover in the national forest area, covering 200 square miles in Derbyshire, Leicestershire and Staffordshire, from 6 per cent to 12 per cent. Detailed changes to the company's operations will be made in order to maximise effective delivery and value for money. A full report of the review is available at www.defra.gov.uk.

Education Bill

Baroness Blatch: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	What would be the status of compulsory subjects such as the core curriculum, religious education and daily worship, and citizenship, if proposals were to come forward under Clause 2 of the Education Bill linking the dropping of subjects with the raising of standards.

Baroness Ashton of Upholland: Exemptions under Clause 2 of the Education Bill may be conferred for a temporary period only, and only for the purposes set out in Clause 1. That is, exemptions may be conferred only "to facilitate the implementation by qualifying bodies of innovative projects that may—(a) in the opinion of the Secretary of State contribute to the raising of the educational standards achieved by children in England, or (b) in the opinion of the National Assembly for Wales contribute to the raising of educational standards achieved by children in Wales". The Secretary of State would have to approve any such proposals, and would do so only if she were convinced it would lead to higher educational standards.

Education Bill

Baroness Blatch: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	What would be the liability of governors, head teachers and other partners if a company, set up under Chapter Three of the Education Bill, were to fail; and who would be responsible for assessing risk.

Baroness Ashton of Upholland: In the event of a school company failing financially, we would expect the liability of each company member to be limited to a nominal sum. In the case of a company limited by guarantee, this would be the nominal guarantee figure of perhaps £10. In the case of a company limited by shares, this would be any amount outstanding on the shares, which we would anticipate to be a nominal sum. For member schools, the liability would not rest with individual governors or the head teacher. We expect joint venture companies to operate under the same principles as school companies.
	Other partners could include other company members whose liability would be limited in the same way as school company members. The situation of LEAs would differ depending upon the type of company. Just as schools spend their delegated budgets as agents of the LEA, so a purchasing company, when spending those delegated budgets, would also be acting as an agent of the LEA. This would not be the case for service provider companies, who would be spending income from contracts.
	It would be up to a school governing body to assess operational risks before deciding whether or not to join a school company.

Education Bill

Baroness Blatch: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	In the light of the Education Bill, which Criminal Justice Act would require amendment in order to extend parenting orders.

Baroness Ashton of Upholland: The powers relating to parenting orders are contained at Section 8 of the Crime and Disorder Act 1998. That is the Act that would require amendment in order to extend these powers.

Vocational GCSEs

Baroness Blatch: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	What is the estimated cost of introducing the new vocational GCSEs, including materials, equipment and the recruitment and training of appropriately qualified staff.

Baroness Ashton of Upholland: The department has funded an extensive programme of training and support for schools and colleges to support the expansion of vocational opportunities at Key Stage 4. Among other things, this will cover the introduction of the new GCSEs in September 2002. The cost will be £2.7 million in 2001–02 and the programme will be extended in 2002–03. In addition, a general programme with funding of £38 million will be made available in 2002–04. Aimed at increasing work related learning opportunities, it will also support the roll-out of the new GCSEs at Key Stage 4.

Classroom Assistants

Baroness Blatch: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	Whether they will clarify the distinction between a classroom assistant employed under current arrangements and a classroom assistant as envisaged under Clause 129 of the Education Bill.

Baroness Ashton of Upholland: A classroom assistant as envisaged under Clause 129 of the Education Bill will be required to work under a framework set by a qualified teacher when work of a teaching nature is undertaken. In comparison with present arrangements, this will add a clear assurance that adequate supervision is in place.

Education Bill: Applications to Innovate

Baroness Blatch: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	Under the Education Bill, how many additional staff will be required to assess all applications to innovate under Chapter 2 and also to assess all applications under Chapter 3.

Baroness Ashton of Upholland: Chapters 2 and 3 in the Education Bill refer to earned autonomy and powers to form companies.
	We intend to consult widely on which flexibilities under Chapter 2 will be available as of right and which on a discretionary basis before regulations are laid. Until consultations have been completed, it is not possible to say precisely how many additional staff will be required, but the intention is to design procedures to minimise bureaucracy and extra staff and enable as many flexibilities as possible to be made available automatically.
	Under Chapter 3, the relevant LEA has a role in determining whether or not schools may form or join school companies. However, the LEA may only refuse schools permission to join in limited circumstances, to be set out in regulations. We therefore do not expect this task to be an onerous one and so do not expect there to be a need for LEAs to employ additional staff.

Martin Sixsmith

The Earl of Northesk: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	Whether the Strategic Communications Unit, or any of its members, was involved in any media briefings concerned with the resignation of Mr Martin Sixsmith from his post in the Department for Transport, Local Government and the Regions.

Lord Macdonald of Tradeston: No.

Northern Ireland Police Ombudsman

Lord Laird: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	Whether they have received representations from the Government of the Irish Republic supporting the Northern Ireland Police Ombudsman; what was the nature of these representations; by whom were they made; and what was the response.

Lord Williams of Mostyn: No formal representations have been received from the Government of the Irish Republic supporting the Police Ombudsman.

Northern Ireland Police Ombudsman

Lord Laird: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	What arrangements they are making to train the Northern Ireland Police Ombudsman and her staff in the skills required to write clear, concise and consistent reports.

Lord Williams of Mostyn: The arrangements for the training of staff in the Northern Ireland Police Ombudsman's office are entirely a matter for that office.

Northern Ireland Police Ombudsman

Lord Laird: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	What is the annual budget for the office of the Northern Ireland Police Ombudsman.

Lord Williams of Mostyn: The annual budget for the office of the Northern Ireland Police Ombudsman for financial year 2001–02 is £5,815K.

Northern Ireland Police Ombudsman

Lord Laird: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	What redress members of the police in Northern Ireland should have when accused of offences by the Police Ombudsman for Northern Ireland and which subsequently prove to be incorrect.

Lord Williams of Mostyn: The police ombudsman does not have the power to accuse police officers of committing offences. The decision as to the substance of a case investigated by the police ombudsman is for the Director of Public Prosecutions to decide. Common law provides for civil action to be taken by those who believe they have been wrongly prosecuted.

Northern Ireland Police Ombudsman

Lord Laird: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	Whether the office of the Police Ombudsman for Northern Ireland can be cited in libel actions.

Lord Williams of Mostyn: The police ombudsman can be cited in libel actions. However in relation to defamatory material published in the course of her duties, the police ombudsman has the benefit of qualified privilege, which means that any action against her would only succeed if malice could be proved.

Northern Ireland: Appointments

Lord Laird: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	In which areas of public appointment in Northern Ireland the Government of the Irish Republic is consulted.

Lord Williams of Mostyn: I refer the noble Lord to Lord Falconer of Thoroton's Answer of 30 November 2000 (Official Report, col. WA 161).

Northern Ireland: Policing

Lord Laird: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	How many people were on the establishment of the Royal Ulster Constabulary and on the Police Service of Northern Ireland on 1 January from each year from 1994 to date.

Lord Williams of Mostyn: The manpower figures for the Royal Ulster Constabulary and the Police Service of Northern Ireland on 1 January of each year from 1994 to date are as follows:
	
		
			 Year Regular Strength Full-time Reserve Strength Part-time Reserve Strength 
			 1994 8,469 3,184 1,388 
			 1995 8,499 3,199 1,488 
			 1996 8,424 3,101 1,582 
			 1997 8,430 2,929 1,473 
			 1998 8,495 2,982 1,323 
			 1999 8,465 2,936 1,235 
			 2000 8,521 2,718 1,170 
			 2001 8,349 2,551 1,095 
			 2002(2) 7,126 2,237 1,021 
		
	
	(2) Figures for 2002 do not include trainees.

Omagh Bombing

Lord Laird: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	Whether they have made representations to the Government of the Irish Republic to seek an independent inquiry into the police investigation of the Omagh bomb of 1998; and, if not, why not.

Lord Williams of Mostyn: The Government have made no representations to the Government of Ireland to seek an independent inquiry into the police investigation of the Omagh bomb in 1998. The Government are satisfied that the Government of Ireland and an Garda Siochána wholeheartedly share our objective of bringing to justice the perpetrators of this terrible atrocity.

Northern Ireland: Education

Lord Rogan: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	What is the total number of separate pieces of legislation relating to education at secondary and primary level in Northern Ireland passed by Parliament from 1989 until education became a devolved matter.

Lord Williams of Mostyn: There have been five major pieces of such legislation. Information on the more minor legislation is not available in the form requested.

Wales Office: Staffing

Lord Roberts of Conwy: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	What has been the increase in staffing numbers at the Wales Office, including the National Assembly for Wales, since the dissolution of the Welsh Office; and what has been the increase in staffing costs in cash and constant terms over the same period.

Baroness Farrington of Ribbleton: Since devolution on 1 July 1999 and the establishment of the National Assembly for Wales and the Wales Office, staffing for the Wales Office has increased from 38 to 44 1 . The increase in staffing costs has been £406,000 in cash terms and £389,000 in constant terms (as measured by the GDP deflator at market prices) 2 .
	Equivalent figures for the National Assembly for Wales are a matter for the Welsh Assembly Government.
	1 The figures are shown on a staff-year basis and include the number of special advisers and overtime calculated on a staff year full-time equivalent. The figure for 1999–2000 has been calculated pro rata because the Wales Office was in existence only for three-quarters of that year (1 July 1999 to 31 March 2000). The figure for this year so far has also been calculated pro rata.
	2 The figures for this year so far include the costs up to and including February 2002 and are calculated pro rata.